Pakistani Community Leader Pervez Akhtar Donates $25,000 During Peel Police’s 25th Annual Race Against Racism; Funds Raised Will Support Youth Scholarships to Help Young People Reach Their Full Potential
Canada | Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
In the Province of Ontario, Canada, Peel Regional Police successfully hosted the 25th Annual Race Against Racism, an event dedicated to combating racism, promoting diversity, and strengthening harmony among different cultures.
The event served not only as a celebration of health and community engagement but also as a powerful platform to promote messages of unity, equality, inclusion, and mutual respect.
People from diverse communities, police officers, community leaders, youth, seniors, and families participated enthusiastically in the annual gathering. Peel Regional Police arranged special event jerseys for participants, adding energy and a strong sense of identity to the occasion.
The highlight of the event was the 5-kilometre race, where participants of all ages took part with excitement and determination. At the conclusion of the race, medals were awarded to participants who achieved first, second, and third positions across various categories, while attendees warmly celebrated their achievements.
During the event, prominent Pakistani community leader Pervez Akhtar announced a $25,000 donation to support youth education and development.
Funds raised through the race are allocated toward educational scholarships for young people, helping them reach their full potential and empowering them to contribute positively to society in the future.
One of the event’s most memorable highlights was the spirit of community hospitality.
A prominent member of the Pakistani community, Aurangzeb, who is also the owner of Black Stone Restaurant, attended the event alongside his wife and the entire family of Pervez Akhtar. Together, they prepared and served free chicken and beef burgers to more than 500 participants, an initiative that received great appreciation from attendees.
Peel Regional Police also organized extensive arrangements for guests and participants. Cold beverages, fresh fruit, popcorn for children, samosas, and donuts were made available in large quantities, creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.
More than 20 informational booths were set up at the venue, where various organizations and institutions shared information about their services and community programs.
Among them, Faisal Yousaf, a leader associated with the Refugee Girls initiative, and his team actively participated and introduced attendees to their community services and social impact work.
The event was attended by Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, deputy chiefs, numerous police officers, Canadian Member of Parliament Fares Al Soud, along with community representatives and local councillors, all reaffirming their commitment to collective action against racism.
Speakers emphasized that the fight against racism and discrimination should not be limited to a single day or event but must remain an ongoing social responsibility in which every member of society has a role to play.
At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed hope that initiatives like this would continue contributing toward building a more just, safe, diverse, and equitable society.
Thousands of voices. One shared message: Together against racism.
